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Why Watford must drop their £20m demand and keep hold of one of the most promising talents in their squad

Why Watford should keep hold of Roberto Pereyra at all costs

According to reports, Torino are one of a number of clubs interested in Watford attacker Roberto Pereyra.

The Hornets will reportedly consider offers in excess of £20m for the Argentina international, who joined the Vicarage Road outfit from Juventus for £13m in August 2016. He has a contract with the club running until 2021.

Pereyra became Watford’s club-record signing when he joined from Italian giants Juventus in the summer of 2016. His debut came in Watford’s 3-1 defeat to Arsenal, where he marked his first appearance with a goal. The Argentine settled pretty well at Vicarage Road, chalking up impressive performances in the wins over West Ham and Manchester United.

After a bright start in Watford colours, Pereyra’s form took a major hit as he struggled with injuries and failed to keep up with the intensity of the Premier League.

He made some valuable contributions towards the fag end of his debut season in England but was considered a huge disappointment overall.

Roberto Pereyra

An injury-hit maiden campaign meant Pereyra’s development had stalled at Vicarage Road but the Argentine kept his chin up and fought well this past season.

As the 2017/18 campaign wore on, the 27-year-old grew in prominence. Pereyra was arguably Watford’s best player at the tail end of the season as he thrived under new manager Javi Gracia.

The attacker played 34 times across all competitions last season, scoring 5 goals, and appeared to have regained his mojo. It has been an inconsistent two seasons in English football for Pereyra where he has apparently failed to live up to the billing at the Vicarage Road.

Despite his inconsistency, the Argentine has still shown his potential as a match-winner for Watford, most notably in the 4-1 thumping of Chelsea last season.

As can be the case with creative players, Pereyra has the ability to pump life into the whole Watford squad with his vision and technique on the ball. But when he has an off day, the same Watford team can look toothless and devoid of energy in the attack.

A creative and versatile midfielder who can play across the midfield, Pereyra is a quick, industrious and dynamic player who is equally comfortable with both feet. He can adapt well to any formation and possesses the energy to fulfil his defensive duties as well.

Read more: Well done Gracia – This £3.5m new signing could turn out to be a brilliant acquisition for Watford

A classy attacking midfielder with a penchant for the unexpected, there is no doubt Pereyra needs to be retained by Javi Gracia.

The former Udinese and River Plate man showed glimpses of his talent last term and Gracia needs to be patient with Pereyra. He could go on to become one of the most talented footballers to ever play for the club.

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